Method and system for remote monitoring, care and maintenance of an animal

ABSTRACT

A system for the remote care of an item of vegetation used as a potential source of food for an animal, to include at least one of a proximity tag, RFID tag, transponder device, a predetermined machine-readable pattern, and geo-location device associated with the item of vegetation, and an aerial drone. The aerial drone includes a microprocessor, a sensor coupled to the microprocessor and configured to detect the at least one of the proximity tag, RFID tag, transponder device, predetermined machine-readable pattern, and the geo-location device, and a carrier configured to carry a substance comprising at least one of a solid, gas, and liquid. The aerial drone is configured to act in response to instructions issued by the microprocessor.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No.16/794,176 filed Feb. 18, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Application No. 16/732,026 filed Dec. 31, 2019, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 15/598,203 filed May 17,2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,555,498), which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. Application No. 15/365,895 filed Nov. 30, 2016 (now U.S. Patent No.9,936,680), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No.14/823,859 filed Aug. 11, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,538,728), which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. Application No. 14/191,244filed Feb. 26, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,131,660), which is acontinuation of U.S. Application No. 13/892,292 filed May 12, 2013 (nowU.S. Patent No. 8,707,900), which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/848,437 filed Jan. 4, 2013 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/702,856 filed Sep. 19, 2012. This application is alsorelated to U.S. Application No. 15/365,896 filed Nov. 30, 2016 (now U.S.Pat. No. 10,049,278) and U.S. Application No. 15/365,901 filed Nov. 30,2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,750,227). All aforementioned patentapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to mechanical systems and, moreparticularly, the invention relates to a remote-controlled personalanimal care device by using drone technology.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

As computers have grown increasingly important in today's society,humans have created animal care devices to automate and enhance variousactivities that have traditionally been performed manually. Domesticatedpets, livestock animals and wild animals maintained in a controlledenvironment rely in great measure on the care and attention of humans toremain mentally and physically healthy and alert. Items that areassistive in nature to help owners maintain the wellbeing of theiranimals can provide some portion of such care and attention. Animalowners are often hampered in their attempts to properly care for theiranimals when the owner is required to be geographically distant from theplace their animals are kept. In many cases, animal owners are requiredto contract with third-party providers to perform simple tasks relatedto feeding, watering and administering medications to animals when theanimal owner is not physically present to do so. Indeed, each year,numerous animals die or are caused physical or emotional harm due to thelack of proper care by owners who are geographically removed from theanimal or due to the inadvertent or purposeful oversight of third-partyanimal caregivers.

SUMMARY

An animal care system for remote care and maintenance of animals ispresented. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, thesystem includes a housing and a mobility portion coupled to the housingand operable to move the housing. The system further includes a wirelessdata communications system disposed with the housing and wirelesslycommunicatively coupled with an external data communications system andan electronic data processor disposed within the system and controllingthe mobility portion. In addition, the system includes food, water andmedicine storage portions disposed within the housing. Further, thesystem includes a removable tray coupled to the housing and disposedproximate to a lower portion of the housing, the tray having a food trayportion operable to receive food from the food storage portion, a watertray portion operable to receive water from the water storage portionand a medicine tray portion operable to receive medicine from themedicine storage portion and a docking portion fixedly coupled to thehousing and disposed generally on a rear portion of the housing, andconnectively coupled to the food, water and medicine storage portions.Also, the system includes an internal electronic fence transceiver inwireless communication with an external electronic fence transceiver,the internal electronic fence transceiver disposed generally within thehousing and the external electronic fence transceiver disposedexternally and remote from the housing, wherein the internal electronicfence transceiver activates the external electronic fence transceiverwhen the external electronic fence transceiver is at least apredetermined distance from the housing.

The system further includes an aerial drone wirelessly communicativelycoupled to the robotic animal caregiver and configured to act inresponse to instructions issued by the robotic animal caregiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the claimed subject matter can be obtainedwhen the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments isconsidered in conjunction with the following figures.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an animal care device100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a side view of tray 118 according to one embodiment of device100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a top view of tray 118 according to one embodiment of device100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of device 100 according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of device 100 according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a docking station 500 for device 100according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6-8 are diagrams illustrating information flows in exemplaryembodiments of an animal care device 100 according to the teachings ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a smartcollar 608 and a dog wearing the smart collar 608 according to theteachings of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of asmart collar and a dog wearing the smart collar 608 according to theteachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a variety of applications for a smartcollar 608 according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating information flows in exemplaryembodiments of an animal care device 100 operating cooperatively with asmart collar 608 according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of ananimal care device 100 in operation with a smart collar 608/smartharness 610 according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a simplified diagram of another exemplary embodiment of ananimal care device 800 in operation with a plurality of user computingdevices 602 according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an animalcare device 800 in operation with a plurality of smart collars/harnessesaccording to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are simplified diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of aplurality of animal care device 800 in operation with a plurality ofsmart collars/harnesses according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mobileanimal care device 816 in operation with a plurality of user computingdevices 602 according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a simplified diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mobileanimal care device 816 in operation with a plurality of smartcollars/harnesses according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exemplaryembodiment of a mobile animal care device 816 according to the teachingsof the present disclosure;

FIGS. 22-24 are cross-sectional side views of an exemplary embodiment ofan animal care device 816 with an anchoring and elevation mechanismaccording to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a more detailed cross-sectional side view of an exemplaryembodiment of a mobile animal care device 816 with an elevationmechanism according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the locking pins 819according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 27-32 are diagrams of exemplary embodiment of a mobile animal caredevice 900 operating cooperatively with one or more drones 840 accordingto the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a more detailed diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a drone840 according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of at least one animalcare device 900 operating cooperatively with a plurality of devicesincluding a smart bed 1100 according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 35 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of at least one animalcare device 900 operating cooperatively with a plurality of devicesincluding a smart bowl 1700 according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 36 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of at least one animalcare device 900 operating cooperatively with a plurality of devicesincluding an RF stick 1200 according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 37 and 38 are diagrams of exemplary embodiments of a drone 840operating cooperatively with a RF stick 1200 according to the teachingsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a drone 840 operatingcooperatively with a RF stick 1200 according to the teachings of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 40 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an animal care device900 operating cooperatively with a drone 840 according to the teachingsof the present disclosure;

FIGS. 41-43 are additional illustrations of exemplary embodiments of asmart collar and smart harness according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 44 is an illustration of features and functions associated with anexemplary embodiment of a smart collar/harness.

DESCRIPTION

Humans have been making use of animals for both productive purposes,such as food and labor, and as companions, such as domesticated dogs andcats, since the earliest days of recorded history. In order to make useof these animals, the animals are typically kept in controlled orsemi-controlled environments, such as houses and fenced outdoor areas,in order to control the movements of the animals and to protect theanimals from predators. As a result of placing the animals in suchenvironments, the animal must rely upon human assistance and support inorder to survive. For example, domestic dogs and cats rely upon theirowners to provide food and water. In addition, humans often train theanimals to behave in certain ways that require human assistance orsupport as the animals may be physically incapable of performing suchactions directly. For example, a door may need to be opened for a dog toallow the dog to relieve itself outside and a cat litter box requiresperiodic cleaning by the owner. However, the time available to an ownerto perform these activities may be limited or the owner may need to bein a physically distant location from the animal due to, for example,job responsibilities. A pet care robot may be used to perform variousanimal care tasks that normally are performed by humans. For example, apet care robot may be capable of walking and playing with a domestic dogthat lives in a residence, and providing food, water and medicine to thedog. In addition, the pet care robot may provide a video and audio linkto allow the dog to see the dog's owner, even though the owner isphysically distant from the dog.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an animal care device100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The animalcare device 100, in various embodiments, provides various capabilitiesuseful for providing care to an animal. For example, the animal caredevice 100 may walk a dog, provide food, water and medicine, or providea video display showing a real-time or prerecorded video or image of thedog's owner. The animal care device 100 comprises a main body 102, anupper body 104, a pair of front wheels 106, a pair of rear wheels 108, awireless system 110, a camera 112, a playing device 114, audio/videodisplay 116, a tray 118, an arm 120, a scent emitter 130, a heat/coldemitter 132, and a secondary animal waste detection sensor system 133.

Main body 102 comprises the main physical support structure for theanimal care device 100. In the disclosed embodiment, main body 102 isgenerally cylindrical in shape and provides mounting support for frontwheels 106, rear wheels 108, tray 118 and display 116. Enclosed withinmain body 102 may be various electronic, electro-mechanical andmechanical systems for operation of animal care device 100 as describedin greater detail below. Main body 102 may be formed from any suitablematerial, such as steel, aluminum, plastic or other composites asdesired. For example, an animal care device 100 for use with a horse mayrequire use of stronger, heavier or more costly materials than one foruse with domesticated house pets. Main body 102 may alternatively be ofother suitable shapes. Front wheels 106 are coupled to main body 102 andmay be used to move and/or steer animal care device 100. Rear wheels 108are coupled to main body 102 and may alternatively or in addition tofront wheels 106 to move and/or steer animal care device 100. Theillustration of the pair of front wheels 106 and rear wheels 108represent only a single embodiment of device 100, alternatively, variousother drive systems may be used in various suitable combinations for theuse of device 100. For example, a single rear wheel 108 may be used andrear and front wheels 108 and 106 may be combined or organized in someother suitable format, such as four wheels with a steering systemsimilar to a passenger vehicle. Also, device 100 may be a trackedvehicle for operation outdoors or in hostile environments, such as snow.Device 100 may further comprise electronic data processing capabilities,such as using a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to memory (notshown), in order to store and execute computer programming instructionsto control device 100.

In one embodiment, upper body 104 comprises a generally dome shapedelement removably or fixably coupled to main body 102. Morespecifically, upper body 104 and main body 102 may be formed as a singlephysical element or may represent separate physical elements that arecoupled together. For example, upper body 104 may be designed to beremoved from main body 102 to allow access to the interior of main body102 for maintenance purposes. Upper body 104 may also be of othersuitable shapes in various embodiments. Upper body 104 provides supportand mounting locations for wireless system 110, camera 112 and toy 114.Enclosed within upper body 104 may be electrical, electro-mechanicaland/or mechanical elements in support of device 100 as described ingreater detail below. For example, portions of wireless system 110 maybe disposed within the interior of upper body 104. Upper body 104 mayfurther be operable to rotate around a vertical axis independently ofmain body 102, for example, to allow camera 112 to be pointed in variousdirections without rotating main body 102 as well. In general, similarto main body 102, upper body 104 may be of a suitable shape and be madeof suitable materials for a particular embodiment of device 100.

Wireless system 110 comprises one or more of a global positioning system(GPS) transmitter/receiver, a wireless audio and/or data communicationstransmitter/receiver, such as an IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n or cellular dataconnection, Bluetooth transmitter/receiver, and a wireless fence systemand suitable associated hardware, such as an antenna.

Camera 112 comprises any suitable still and/or video camera forgenerating an image and communicating the image to the wireless system110.

Toy 114 comprises a ball at the end of cord that is operable to beejected away from device 100 and retracted back to device 100. Forexample, a rubber ball may be used that is thrown for a dog to chase sothat an owner can play with their dog from a remote location.Alternatively, toy 114 may comprise an imitation mouse that may be usedto entertain a cat. In general, toy 114 may comprise any suitable objectthat is tethered to device 100 and ejected away from, and returned to,device 100 for interaction with an animal. Alternatively, toy 114 may beany form of device that can amuse the animal, such as a light or laser.

Tray 118 comprises a tray that is detachable from and re-attachable todevice 100 in order to serve food, water and/or medicines to an animal.In one embodiment, device 100 lowers itself so that the bottom of tray118 is sitting upon the ground and then releases tray 118. Device 100would then raise itself back to a normal operating height and move awayfrom tray 118 to allow an animal to eat and drink from the tray. Device100 would later return to tray 118, lower itself such that the bottom ofmain body 102 is generally in contact with the top of tray 118, andreattach tray 118 to main body 102. Tray 118 may alternatively beremovably coupled to main body 102 in any suitable way. For example,tray 118 may slide into and out of a cavity in main body 102, forexample using a lip on tray 118 that engages with a track below mainbody 102. Tray 118 is described in more detail in association with FIGS.2A and 2B below.

Arm 120 comprises a movable arm operable to deliver a payload 122 to ananimal. In one embodiment, payload 122 comprises a syringe for providingan injection to an animal and arm 120 is capable of articulationappropriate for providing an injection. For example, an animal may bediabetic and require an insulin injection. For another example, payload122 may comprise an injectable or spray-based tick repellent.

Scent emitter 130 comprises a suitable system for emitting apredetermined scent. As many animals rely on scent, as opposed to visualor auditory cues, device 100 provides the caregiver the ability toprovide one or more scents as appropriate for the animal under care. Forexample, in one embodiment, scent emitter 130 may simply comprise acavity with a fan where an object, such as clothing worn by a caregiver,is placed to provide a familiar scent to an animal. Alternatively, scentemitter 130 may comprise more complex systems using chemicals orconcentrated scents that may be sprayed or otherwise emitted from device100 as desired by a caregiver. Scent emitter 130 may operateindependently according to predetermined criteria, such as time of day,and/or may be under direct remote control by the caregiver.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a heat/coldemitter 132 may be included with device 100, such as on main body 102.Heat/cold emitter comprises one or both of a heater and/or airconditioner operable to heat and/or cool an area around device 100. Forexample, in harsh environments it may be necessary to provideenvironmental controls for an animal, such as a pregnant horse thatlives outside during unexpected weather changes or a domestic pet in theevent of a power failure at a house.

Animal care device 100 also includes a secondary animal waste detectionsystem 133 that may deploy one or more technology based on radar, groundanomaly detection, video analysis, ultrasound technology, imagerecognition, scent recognition, heat signature detection, chemicaldetection, and detection of one or more predetermined substance ordevice. The secondary animal waste detection system 133 may beconfigured to detect a substance that is used to pre-treat the depositedfeces, for example. Alternatively, the animal may be fed food thatcontains an additive substance and/or device that can be detected by thesecondary animal waste detection system 133. The additive substance canbe a specific chemical composition, a metal, and/or a micro-tag (whichmay be based on RFID technology or another technology now known or to bedeveloped).

FIG. 2 a is a side view of tray 118 according to one embodiment ofdevice 100. FIG. 2 b is a top view of tray 118 according to oneembodiment of device 100. As shown in FIG. 2 a , in one embodiment, tray118 may comprise a cutout in the rear portion to account for movement ofrear wheels 108. In one embodiment, tray 118 further comprises at leastone post 212 engageable within main body 102 to hold and release tray118 from main body 102. For example, posts 212 may engage with asolenoid within main body 102 to couple tray 118 to main body 102 andretain tray 118 with device 100. In this example, the solenoids may beactivated to latch with posts 212 or may use friction to retain tray118, while the deactivation of the solenoids would allow tray 118 to bereleased from a lower portion of main body 102. Alternatively, tray 118may be releasably coupled to main body 102 using a magnetic retentionand release system or other suitable electrical, electro-mechanical ormechanical systems. As shown in FIG. 2 b , tray 118 comprises a foodportion 200, a water portion 202 and a medicine portion 204. Foodportion 200 receives food from device 100 and contains the food forconsumption by an animal. Water portion 202 receives water or otherliquids from device 100 and contains the water for consumption by ananimal. Medicine portion 204 receives medicine in solid or liquid formfrom device 100 and contains the medicine for consumption by an animal.For example, tray 118 may be a plastic tray with open-toppedcompartments acting as portions 200, 202 and 204.

In one embodiment, tray 118 may further comprise sensor 210. Sensor 210is operable to detect that one or more of portions 200, 202 and/or 204are in need of refilling and signaling to device 100 that tray 118 needsrefilling.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of device 100 according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 4 is a side view of device 100 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3 and 4 are describedtogether for greater clarity. Device 100 further comprises a pluralityof charging ports 300, an electrical port 302, a directional system 304,a water bin 320, a food bin 322, a medicine bin 324, a waste bin 326, acleaning nozzle 330, a water suction nozzle 332, a battery 340 and amotor 342. Charging ports 300 comprise a food port 310, a water port312, a medicine port 314 and a waste port 316. Electrical port 302comprises suitable electrical interfaces for recharging device 100 froma power source, such as an electrical grid tied receptacle, solarpanels, wind power or other suitable electrical power sources.

Food port 310 comprises a receptacle operable to receive animal feed torefill device 100 with feed for dispensing to an animal on tray 118.Food received from food port 310 is stored in food bin 320. Food bin 320comprises any suitable container for solid or liquid items, is disposedwithin main body 102 and is coupled to food port 310 via a suitable tubeor pipe. In one embodiment, food bin 320 may be removed from main body102 by opening upper body 104. For example, food bin 320 may be removedfor cleaning or manual refilling.

Water port 312 comprises a receptacle operable to receive water torefill device 100 for dispensing to an animal on tray 118. Waterreceived from water port 311 is stored in water bin 322. Water bin 322comprises any suitable container for liquid items, is disposed withinmain body 102 and is coupled to water port 312 via a suitable tube orpipe. In one embodiment, water bin 322 may be removed from main body 102by opening upper body 104.

Medicine port 314 comprises a receptacle operable to receive medicinesto refill device 100 for dispensing to an animal on tray 118. Medicinereceived from medicine port 314 is stored in medicine bin 324. Medicinebin 324 comprises any suitable container for solid or liquid items, isdisposed within main body 102 and is coupled to medicine port 314 via asuitable tube or pipe. In one embodiment, medicine bin 324 may beremoved from main body 102 by opening upper body 104. In anotherembodiment, medicine bin 324 may be coupled to or accessible by payload122 to in order to refill a syringe, for example, via a tube through arm120.

In addition, one or more of bins 320, 322, 324 and/or 326 may berefrigerated or heated as needed. For example, medicine bin 324 may berequired to be kept refrigerated to keep medicine from spoiling.

Waste bin 326 receives water and other debris from suction nozzle 332for storage until the contents of waste bin 326 are removed from device100 via waste port 316. Waste port 316 is coupled to waste bin 326 via asuitable tube or pipe to allow extraction of the contents of waste bin326.

Cleaning nozzle 330 comprises a device operable to expel water at asuitable level of pressure to clean tray 118. Cleaning nozzle 330 iscoupled to water bin 322 via a suitable tube or pipe. For example,cleaning nozzle 330 may comprise a water-spraying device that sprayswater under pressure onto tray 118. In one embodiment, cleaning nozzle330 is of a suitable size and located within main body 102 at a locationsuch that cleaning nozzle 330 sprays water onto tray 118. In anotherexample, cleaning nozzle 330 may be operable to move within main body102 in order to clean portions of tray 118. In addition, cleaning nozzle330 may represent multiple cleaning elements, such as multiple sprayers,for cleaning tray 118 in various embodiments. For example, nozzle 330may comprise or include a heated air emitter to dry tray 118 or othersurfaces. Further, in one embodiment, a bin for a cleaning solution maybe further coupled between water bin 322 and cleaning nozzle 330. In yetanother embodiment, nozzle 330 may be used to clean areas under device100 after tray 118 has been detached, for example, to clean a floor.

Suction nozzle 332 comprises a device operable to remove water and/ordebris from tray 118 and deposit the removed water and/or debris inwaste bin 328 via a suitable tube or pipe. For example, as cleaningnozzle 330 is spraying water to clean tray 118, suction nozzle 332 isremoving the used water from tray 118. In general, suction nozzle 332comprises any suitable device or devices operable to remove used waterand used cleaning fluids from tray 118. In various embodiments, cleaningnozzle 330 and suction nozzle 332 may require the use of pumps (notshown) to generate suitable levels of water pressure for cleaning tray118 and suction force to remove liquid and/or solid debris. For example,in one embodiment, suction nozzle 332 and cleaning nozzle 330 may beused to clean surfaces other than tray 118, such as debris or waste on afloor or other surface. This embodiment may require the release of tray118 prior to performing such cleaning activities.

Battery 340 comprises any suitable battery technology, such aslead-acid, NiMH, Lithium-Ion and NiCad, operable to power motor 342 anddevice 100 generally. Battery 340 is electrically coupled to chargingport 300 and is recharged when charging port 300 is connected to anexternal power source. Battery 340 is sized as suitable for the animalbeing cared for by device 100 and the related power demands of motor 342and the various electronics associated with device 100, such as wirelesscommunications system 110. For example, an animal care device 100 fortaking care of horses in an outdoor field may be larger and require astronger motor 342 and battery 340 to deal with the relatively harshenvironment. In contrast, an animal care device 100 that is primarilydesigned for use with a household pet may require a less powerful motor342 and battery 340.

Motor 342 comprises a suitable motor for driving front wheels 106 and/orrear wheels 108, depending on the embodiment of device 100, to allowdevice 100 to move from place to place. In one embodiment, motor 342comprises an electric motor powered by battery 340.

Directional system 304 comprises a movable joint operable to turn rearwheels 108 and to lower device 100. In one embodiment, rear wheels 108provide directional control for device 100, while front wheels 106provide the driving force to move device 100. In addition, to order torelease tray 118 on the ground, device 100 may lower itself so that thebottom of tray 118 is on or near the ground before releasing tray 118.In this embodiment, directional system 304 pivots the rear wheels 108 tolower device 100 closer to the ground.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a docking station 500 for device 100according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Docking station500 interfaces with charging ports 300 and electrical ports 302. Dockingstation 500 comprises a food recharger port 510, a water recharger port512, a medicine recharger port 514, a waste removal port 516 and anelectrical recharging interface 502.

Food recharger port 510 comprises a suitable system to couple anddecouple to food port 310 in order to refill food bin 322 via food port310. For example, food recharger port 510 and food port 310 may comprisea pair of generally hollow cylinders where one cylinder is slightlylarger than the other cylinder to allow the smaller cylinder to enterinto the larger cylinder to create a connection where solid and/orliquid food can pass through from food recharger port 510 to food port310 into food bin 322.

Water recharger port 512 comprises a suitable system to couple anddecouple to water port 312 in order to refill water bin 320. Forexample, water recharger port 512 and water port 312 may operatesimilarly to ports 510 and 310.

Medicine recharger port 514 comprises a suitable system to couple anddecouple to medicine port 314 in order to refill medicine bin 324. Forexample, medicine recharger port 514 and medicine port 314 may operatesimilarly to ports 510 and 310.

Waste removal port 516 comprises a suitable system to couple anddecouple to waste port 316 in order to allow the emptying of waste bin326. For example, waste bin 326 may become partially or completelyfilled with solid and/or liquid waste as a result of the cleaning oftray 118. Waste removal port 516 and waste port 316 may operatesimilarly to ports 510 and 310.

Electrical recharging interface 502 comprises a suitable electricalsystem for recharging battery 340 via port 302. For example, interface502 and port 302 may comprise a suitable male / female electricalconnection system.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , docking station 500 may be located at asuitable location, such as a laundry room or outdoor location, forrecharging and refilling device 100. In one embodiment, docking station500 is located outdoors and uses equipment suitable for outdoor and/orharsh environment use. Device 100 may automatically detect that one ormore of bins 320, 322, 324 and 326 need refilling or emptying and returnto docking station 500 and/or notify the caregiver that one or more ofbins 320, 322, 324 and 326 need refilling , or that battery 340 needsrecharging. Alternatively, the caregiver may remotely command device 100to return to docking station 500 and/or device 100 may return to dockingstation 500 on a predetermined schedule or in response to other inputs.Docking station 500 itself may also be operable to generate anotification to the caregiver that the docking station 500 requiresrefilling.

In operation, device 100 may be used by an animal caregiver to assistwith the care of one or more animals, regardless of whether thecaregiver is physically located near the animals or is physicallydistant. Device 100 may be directly controlled by the caregiver, such asvia a remote control or via a network connection, such as via anapplication on a computer, smartphone, tablet or other electroniccomputing device, that communicates with device 100 over a globalcomputer network, such as the Internet. In addition, device 100 may bepre-programmed to perform various activities independently. For example,device 100 may provide food, water and/or medicine on tray 118 atpredetermined times. Device 100 may also be controlled via a combinationof independent programming and remote control.

Initially, or after one or more uses of device 100, device 100 is filledand charged, or refilled and recharged, at docking station 500. Forexample, device 100 may be controlled by a remote control by a humanuser or may be capable of automatically finding docking station 500,such by GPS location or a beacon of a suitable type that device 100 maynavigate to. In one embodiment, device 100 rolls to docking station 500and reverses into docking station 500. Rear wheels 108 then articulateto allow device 100 to lower or raise itself and couple ports 300 and302 with docking station 500.

The animal caregiver may interact with the animal using display 116 andcamera 112. Camera 112 allows the caregiver to see the animal, and mayprovide a pan, tilt and/or zoom functionality to improve viewing of theanimal from a remote location, such as over the Internet. Display 116allows the animal to see an image, such as the caregiver. Display 116comprises any suitable display system for video and audio and is capableof receiving video and audio via wireless system 110. The audiocapabilities of display 116 allow the animal to both see and hear thecaregiver, and allow the caregiver to hear the animal. For example, thecaregiver could program device 100 to generate familiar sounds, such asa normal pre-sleep ritual, associated with the caregiver at a certaintime, such as when the animal is sleeping. In general, device 100 mayplay pre-recorded audio and/or video messages at pre-determined times,in response to predetermined situations and/or as commanded remotely bythe caregiver, such as via an application on a smartphone used by thecaregiver. In addition, toy 114 allows the caregiver to play with theanimal. For another example, a veterinarian may use camera 112 toevaluate the medical condition of an animal under the care of device100.

As device 100 is mobile, device 100 can move around with the animal. Inone embodiment, wireless system 110 generates a signal usable as anelectronic fence system. Electronic fences are commonly used to keep ananimal, such as a dog, within a predefined area without the use ofphysical barriers. For example, the electronic fence may be linked to ashock collar that indicates that the dog is not allowed to go beyond acertain point. Such an electronic fence system, when incorporated intodevice 100, allows device 100 to walk an animal. For example, an animalthat has been trained that the animal can only go a certain distance,such as 50 feet, away from device 100 by the electronic fence, allowsdevice 100 to walk the animal. More specifically, since the animal knowsthat it must remain within a certain distance from device 100, or besubject to appropriate corrective measure, such as an audible signal oran electronic shock from a shock collar, device 100 could, for example,move down a sidewalk along a predetermined route, or under the remotecontrol of a care giver, and walk an animal even though the care giveris not physically present. In one embodiment, the electronic fencecollar worn by the animal contains a water immersion detectioncapability to detect if the animal has entered or fallen into a body ofwater, such as a swimming pool, lake or pond. In this embodiment, thecollar may alert device 100 that the animal has entered a body of waterand the device 100 may generate an alert, such as to the remote caregiver or an emergency response group, or take other predeterminedactions in response thereto.

Device 100 may use a GPS or other location device associated with device100 and/or the animal being cared for to provide location information ofthe animal and/or device 100 to the animal caregiver. The locationinformation may be used by device 100 to generate an alert to thecaregiver and/or other people based on one or more predeterminedconditions. For example, an alert could be generated if the animal goesbeyond a certain distance from device 100. In one embodiment, device 100communicates with a device that tracks an animal's vital signs andresponds appropriately in the event of a medical emergency. For example,if it is known that an animal has a medical condition that requiresmedicine only under certain circumstances, device 100 could provide suchmedicine via tray 118 or payload 122 when the medical condition isdetected by the vital signs monitoring device, such as in response tolow blood sugar, elevated blood pressure or elevated heart rate.

In addition, device 100 may include special programming to automaticallyhandle emergency situations. For example, device 100 may be capable ofcommunicating with a smoke and fire detection system in a house, and usethe electronic fence functionality to bring a house pet outside in theevent of a fire, such as by decreasing the distance of the electronicfence to keep the animal close to device 100 until device 100 and theanimal have reached a safe or predetermined location. In one embodiment,device 100 may itself be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, smokedetector, fire detector and/or other sensors to detect toxic fumes,smoke, fire or other hazards. For example, device 100 may include aglass break sensor along with programming to know that device 100 and ananimal under the care of device 100 are alone in a structure, and that aglass break represents a potential intruder. For another example, device100 may include programming to generate an alert to an emergencyservice, such as a fire department, that includes images, descriptionand count of the animals under the care of device 100. Such an alert maybe sent when device 100 detects a hazardous situation, such as a fire,so that emergency responders are aware of the number and identity ofanimals in a structure. In addition, such an alert may include medicalinformation, such as drug allergies, handicaps or pregnancy, of animalsunder care of device 100 to assist medical personnel in an emergency.Further, such an alert may also include the planned emergency evacuationlocation that device 100 will lead animals to in the event of anemergency to assist first responders in locating the animals. Ingeneral, device 100 may be programmed to communicate current and/orhistorical data associated with one or more sensors associated withdevice 100 to the caregiver and/or may be commanded by the caregiver toprovide such data.

Tray 118 allows device 100 to feed, water and provide medicine toanimal. In one embodiment, when an animal is to be fed, such as device100 being preprogrammed with feeding times, determining feeding isnecessary according to predetermined criteria or is commanded to feedthe animal by the caregiver, device 100 fills tray 118 with food, waterand medicine (if needed). For example, food, water and medicine frombins 320, 322 and 324 may be respectively deposited in tray portions200, 202 and 204. Tray 118 may use portions 200, 202 and/or 204 for usesother than food, water and medicine. For example, portion 200 may beused as a cat litter box instead of providing food.

Device 100 then lowers itself so that the bottom of tray 118 isgenerally in contact with the ground and releases tray 118. For example,device 100 may use rear wheels 108 to pivot the front of device 100generally downward and then reverse, while allowing tray 118 to slideout. Alternatively, after the bottom of tray 118 is generally in contactwith the ground, device 100 may release tray 118 and raise itself backup to a normal operating height and leave tray 118 on the ground. Ingeneral, any suitable system for releasing and recovering tray 118 maybe used by device 100.

After the animal has finished eating and drinking, device 100 retrievesand cleans tray 118. For example, device 100 may lower itself over tray118, reattach tray 118 to device 100, and raise itself back to a normaloperating height. Alternatively, device 100 may slide tray 118 back intodevice 100. Device 100 then cleans tray 118 using cleaning nozzle 330and suction nozzle 332. In one embodiment, device 100 may also usecleaning nozzle 330 and suction nozzle 332 to clean up detected debris,such as animal excrement or soil from a flowerpot knocked over by ananimal. For example, caregiver could notice such debris via camera 112and remotely control device 100 to leave tray 118 at a suitable locationto allow use of nozzles 330 and 332 to clean up such debris.Alternatively or in addition, device 100 may automatically detect suchdebris and perform an appropriate cleaning operation. In addition, inone embodiment, device 100 may include a heater and/or air blower deviceassociated with nozzles 330 and/or 332, to dry the area cleaned bynozzles 330 and 332. Further, in another alternative embodiment, scentemitter 130 may include the additional ability to emit a scent designedto be pleasing to humans, such as a scent similar an air freshener thatis emitted on or near a recently cleaned area to lessen offensive odorsthat may remain after the cleaning process.

Device 100 may also communicate with a home automation system thatallows device 100 to open and close doors in a structure. For example,device 100 could wirelessly lock and unlock doors equipped withappropriate devices and push open doors for the animal at appropriatetimes, such as to allow the animal outside to play at certain times. Inaddition, device 100 may use such control over doors to control whichareas of a structure that an animal is allowed to enter or prohibitedfrom entering. Device 100 may also use such a home automation system tocontrol environmental conditions, such as a heater or air conditioner.In addition, in one embodiment, device 100 may also communicate with asecurity system to allow an animal to move about the house withoutactivating the alarm. For example, many security systems use motiondetectors to provide security for a structure, however, such motiondetectors often generate false alarms when an animal triggers the motiondetector. Device 100 may avoid such false alarms by deactivating themotion detector when location information associated with an animalindicates that an animal is near a motion detector controlled area. Foranother example, device 100 may detect than a dog has spent asignificant amount of time in front of a door that the dog uses when thedog needs to relieve itself. Upon detecting that the dog has been infront of the door for an appropriate period of time, device 100 couldunlock and/or open the door to let the dog out, and deactivate the alarmsystem on that door to prevent a false alarm, while still allowing thealarm system to be used with an animal in the house.

Device 100 may also record the location of itself and/or the animal andprovide such information to the caregiver. For example, device 100 mayuse the GPS device to provide a map of movements over a period of timeto the caregiver via a remote data connection.

Device 100 may also include programming to detect if the animal hasremained stationary for an abnormally long period of time, such as byusing GPS information communicated from a collar worn by the animal todevice 100. For example, if a normally active animal has not moved forseveral hours, this may indicate a medical problem or that the animal isdeceased. The programming may take any suitable action in responsethereto, such as generating an alert to the caregiver or an emergencyresponse group, or by providing medicine to the animal, such as via arm120.

The animal care device 100 may be preprogrammed with a "route" to walkan animal or a human can control the animal care device 100 remotely tomove it along a path walking the animal either with a tethered leash orusing the wireless "geofence" which uses the smart collar 608 todetermine one or more of the animals current position, its direction oftravel, its distance from the animal care device 100, its proximity toknown hazards (lakes, pools, streets, highways) and the animal caredevice 100 administers to the animal via the smart collar 608 or aseparate shock collar, a corrective shock or other type of correctivesignal (audio/video)to cause the animal cease its movement in a specificdirection, cause it to move, cause it to maintain a certain distancewithin a predetermined perimeter of the animal care device 100 or affectthe animals movement or behavior in any way.

FIGS. 6-8 are diagrams illustrating information flows in exemplaryembodiments of an animal care device 100 according to the teachings ofthe present disclosure and are described in turn. The animal care device100 is equipped with a bark recognition sensor logic capable of"learning" unique barks or sounds of distress associated with individualanimals 600 and differentiating between the barks or distress sounds todetermine which individual animal 600 is making the sound, if multipleanimals are present and notifying the owner of one-time or continuousdog barking and identifying the dog that is barking. The animal caredevice 100 is capable of interfacing with and activating personnel orhome security system 606 (alarm, directing security cameras toward thesound of the barking, etc.) if the barking exceeds certain parameters(example, constant barking for more than 30 minutes, etc.) and alsonotifies the owner via a user computing device 602, e.g., cell phone,tablet, or computer, or notify a third person or agency 604. The animalcare device 100 may take action based on the bark i.e., arming thesecurity system 606, and/or opening a door to allow egress or access tothe outside or inside of a building or room. Having the animal caredevice 100 begin recording when a bark is detected, or alert the ownerof a possible threat and allow the owner to view the location via theaudio video features of the animal care device 100.

The animal care device 100 may operate in a bark suppression mode todissuade and prevent an animal 600 from making certain noises (i.e.,bark suppression system consisting of an audible noise or image or apreset message from the owner or a noise emitter to calm a horse whenthe animal care application recognizes noises or sounds associated withthe animal being "spooked"). The system can be activated by a presetsensing system or by a library of sounds recorded and loaded onto thesystem with a unique suppression or calming response programmed for eachnoise in the library.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a smartcollar 608 and a dog 600 wearing the smart collar 608 according to theteachings of the present disclosure. FIGS. 10A and 10B are illustrationsof an exemplary embodiment of a smart harness and a dog wearing thesmart harness 610 according to the teachings of the present disclosure.For purposes of this disclosure, the smart collar 608 and smart harness610 are equivalent in functionality in the animal care technologydescribed herein. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a variety ofapplications for a smart collar 608 according to the teachings of thepresent disclosure. The smart collar preferably includes a wirelesscommunication interface that enables the smart collar to communicatewith remote devices via wireless communications, such as remote cameras,temperature sensors, hazard sensors, weather systems, microphones,speakers, lights, drones, databases, presence sensors, proximitysensors, devices that enable distance determination (e.g., laser rangefinders, Radar (radio detecting and ranging), Lidar (light detecting andranging), Sonar (sound navigation and ranging)), animal care devices,other smart collars, databases, smart home devices, and other computingdevices. The imaging device (e.g., camera) onboard the smart collar maycapture still images, moving images (videos), thermal images, and nightvision images.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating information flows in exemplaryembodiments of an animal care device 100 operating cooperatively with asmart collar according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Thesmart collar 608 will detect geographical coordinates using GPS (globalpositioning system) 612 and other suitable methods, and can be bothpreprogrammed with known animal characteristics from a library of knownanimal movements or capable of learning and storing the movement aparticular animal movements and associating those movements with acertain activity the animal is performing (i.e., eating, jumping on thecouch, defecating, chasing another animal, sleeping, chewing onsomething, etc.) and based on the activity the animal care device 100will respond with a preprogrammed response based on the activity theanimal 600 is involved in (example jumping on the couch when it is notsupposed to) or a combination of learned traits combined with GPS(global positioning system) location (i.e., the animal is in the livingroom, on the couch, exhibiting a movement consistent with eating, theanimal care device 100 is programmed to assume it is chewing on a pillowand responds with an audio, audio/video, alarm or collar shock or otherresponse designed to correct the animal 600 and stop the behavior. Itmay also alert the owner and allow the owner to initiate a responseremotely or speak to the animal via video or audio to correct theaction.

The microprocessor onboard the smart collar may also be capable ofdetermining the location of the collar/animal by scanningmachine-readable patterns placed in the environment, such as bar codeand QR code. It may further be programmed to be capable of recognizing(by analyzing captured images, which may include night vision andthermal images) certain landmarks in the animal's environment, such as aparticular item in the yard, a particular piece of furniture, aparticular wall hanging or art, etc.

In the excrement cleanup application, the smart collar 608 willinterpret movements related to the animal defecating and transmit thelocation (e.g., absolute such as latitude and longitude or relative toone or more landmarks in the yard or residence) of probable defection("LPD") to the animal care device 100 which will then, automatically orafter manual initiation by a human, perform a cleaning function by goingto those locations of high probability, cleaning the feces by scoop,vacuum, pincher, shovel or other method, storing the feces in the animalcare device 100 and allowing the feces to be expelled eitherautomatically by the animal care unit and preprogrammed time andlocation or manually by the owner. The animal care device 100 may alsobe capable of packaging the feces in a bag, membrane or covering foreasy disposal. In another embodiment, an onboard incinerator my burn thefeces or use chemicals or other methods to destroy the feces.Alternatively, the animal care device 100 may alert the owner who maymanually initiate the process.

The smart collar 608 and animal care device 100 may cooperate foradditional functions. For example, the smart collar 608 and/or animalcare device 100 may be capable of taking an animal's external bodytemperature via thermal imaging or any other heat sensing technology, orvia a probe extended from the animal care device 100 to make contactwith the animal. The system would notify a remote entity or third party(owner, veterinarian, etc.) if the animal's body temperature is out of apreset range and prompt attention is required.

The animal care device 100 may be further equipped with awirelessly-connected interface with an existing or designed weatherreporting or forecasting application to allow the animal care device todetermine or restrict the activity of the animal based on the currentweather or the forecast (i.e., don't let the dog out in the yard in alightning storm, or turn up the heat if cold weather is forecasted). Apre-programmed animal "care" routine based on the time of day, day ofweek, actions of the animal, weather or any other factor may direct theanimal care device 100 to initiate a sequence of actions based on aparticular time or circumstance so that the animal is away from possibleharm and is in a safe and comfortable environment.

A recording system may be mounted onboard the animal care device 100that can record and store external images, video or environmentalconditions continuously, or on a preconfigured time schedule or based onsome external event. These images may be transmitted to one or moredestinations for viewing online by the owner or other authorizedpersonnel. The images may further be analyzed for threat detection.

A self-contained medical diagnostic program may be onboard the animalcare device 100 that senses, via the smart collar 608 or other input,that the animal's behavior or vital signs are consistent with some typeof illness or distress, and administers care and/or medicine to addressbehavior or vital signs associated with illness or distress. Forexample, if the animal care device 100 determines the animal is makingbody movements consistent with scratching, it may administer tickprevention medicine. If the animal care device 100 determines that theanimal is dragging its hind quarters across the floor, it may administerworming medicine. The animal care device 100 response may also betriggered by medical events recognized by the smart collar and an on-board medical library that matches the movements of the animal to theprobability of certain injuries, sicknesses or illnesses.

An onboard stool examination component incorporated within or attachedto the animal care device 100 that is locates and gathers an animal'sstool/feces automatically (feces cleanup technology) or a sample isloaded manually, and then examined and evaluated for signs of disease,parasites (worms. Etc.) or other abnormalities, and alerts a person(owner, caretaker, veterinarian) of the results of the stool evaluation.

An onboard "radar" or "threat detection" system or "facial/objectrecognition" component(s) incorporated within or attached to the animalcare device 100 that detects other animals in the proximity of theanimal associated with the animal care device 100 and alerts a person ofthe nearby animal or potential threat. The system may have an"intelligent" or artificial intelligence component that interprets themovements, size, mannerisms, geo-location (does the possible list ofanimals detected have a population in the area?), etc. For example, ifthe animal care device 100 detects a bear and the geo-coordinatesindicate the associated animal is in Alaska, the system would identifythe possible threat specifically as a Brown Bear. If the animal caredevice detects a larger upright animal and the geo location determinesthe associated animal is in Australia, the threat may be identified as aKangaroo. The imaging system may also include night vision and/orthermal imaging capabilities.

The animal care device 100 and/or the smart collar 608 may have acamera/video capture component which interfaces with a facial/objectrecognition database. The camera/video component can evaluate images ofa person or persons near the device or the associated animal anddetermine if the person is known (owner, caregiver, veterinarian, etc.)or unknown or if the person is a known potential threat. If the personis not a known or "allowed" person the animal care unit may control themovement of the associated animal to keep the animal away from theperson for the protection of the animal or the unknown person. Theanimal care device 100 may also issue an audible or visual warning ormessage, or if the person is known, it may issue a message (e.g., "HelloJoe, Rover has not eaten yet today but has gone to the bathroom withinthe last 10 minutes.")

The smart collar 608 facial/object recognition component may beinterfaced, either directly or via the animal care device 100, to asystem that notifies a remote entity, such as a third person or agencyif an unauthorized individual is detected in a certain area (i.e.,intruder in house), the person is in need (i.e., missing Alzheimer'spatient) or a threat to people in the area (sex offender detected at aplayground near kids).

The animal care device 100 may have an audible or visual warning thatlocates and contacts the animal owner (either via a wirelesscommunication, text, cellphone etc.) or identifies the owner inproximity to the animal care device 100 (via the facial recognition orother identification technology) and reminds the owner that attention isneeded by the associated animal ("Joe, Rover needs his allergy shotwithin the next 2 days" or "Joe, please remember that Rover has adoctor's appointment on Tuesday at 1:00 pm").

The smart collar with the onboard camera/video capture device maytransmit images to the associated animal care device 100 or a separatedatabase for comparison with known persons who may be missing, wanted byauthorities, or in need of assistance. It may also use facial/objectrecognition technology to identity individual animals and identify themas belonging at the location or missing from another location. The smartcollar may incorporate onboard illumination, such as a lighting element1802 or 1804 that provides illumination when needed or at user'scommand.

The smart collar 608 may be equipped with a hazardous substance or gasdetection component that identifies potential air quality threats to theanimal 600, other animals or persons in the area. Upon detecting suchhazards in the environment, it may transmit information to a homesecurity system, or the animal care giver or other persons eitherdirectly or via the animal care device 100.

The smart collar 608 may be equipped with a wireless audio componentthat interfaces with an external application to allow a person to giveaudible instructions or reassurances to the animal from a distance. Theuser interface may be an application executing on a mobile device, suchas a mobile phone, for example.

FIG. 14 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of ananimal care device 100 in operation with a smart collar 608 according tothe teachings of the present disclosure. The animal care device 100includes a microprocessor 700 in communication with a wirelesscommunication system 702 that enables data to be transmitted to and fromthe animal care device 100. The term "wireless communication" herein isused broadly to refer to any communication channel, now known or to bedeveloped, that can be used to transmit and receive data signals withoutany physical or tangible medium such as a copper line or fiber opticcable. However, it is contemplated that physical transmission media maybe employed along at least some portion of the network path from theorigination point (e.g., animal care device 100) to the terminationpoint of the data (e.g., remote entity 714).

The animal care device 100 further includes an imaging system 704operable to take still photographs and/or video images. The animal caredevice 100 further includes a mobility portion 706 that enable it tomove about its environment according to instructions from themicroprocessor 700. An additional equipment is a robotic actuator 708,in the form of, for example, scoop, vacuum, pincher, shovel orcombination thereof that is operable to pick up, sample, and dispose ofitems, such as the animal's feces. The microprocessor 700 is alsooperable to access a memory 710 for executable program code and to storeand read data. The microprocessor 700 is also able to communicate withan automated laboratory 712 to receive laboratory report and analysisgenerated by the laboratory. The wireless communication device 702onboard the animal care device 100 may further enable it to communicatewith a remote entity 714, such as home security monitoring service, acomputing device of the owner, or a separate security/home maintenancesystem 606. In addition, the animal care device 100 may be incommunication and/or controlled by a home security/maintenance system.In particular, the microprocessor onboard the animal care device 100 maybe optional, and the animal care device 100 may be instead under thecontrol of a microprocessor 716 of the home security/maintenance systemvia its wireless or wired communication system 718. In addition, thesmart collar 608/harness 610 includes a wireless communication system720 for communications with the animal care device 100 (or in thealternative, with the home security/maintenance system). The smartcollar 608 also includes an imaging system 722 for capturing stillphotographs and video images, a measuring device 724 capable ofmeasuring or sampling a variety of substances and/or states (liquid,gas, body temperature, pulse rate, etc.), and a microphone 726 forreceiving audio data, and a speaker 726 for generating audio signals.The smart collar 608 may include an onboard microprocessor 728 and a GPSsystem 730 for determining a geo-location of the animal wearing thesmart collar 608.

FIG. 15 is a simplified diagram of another exemplary embodiment of ananimal care device 800 in operation with a plurality of user computingdevices 602 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Awater-tight, hardened, automated and remotely-controlled animal boardinganimal care device 800 is designed to withstand all of nature's adverseelements including wind, cold, heat, and flood water. Furthercontemplated is the use of the care device for detection and protectionfrom harmful environmental substances such as nuclear radiation, andbio, viral, fungal, or chemical agents, to prevent exposure to thesetoxic agents. The animal care device 800 is equipped with a computerthat may automatically initiate pre-programmed functions in response toa potentially hazardous environmental event warning issued by a local,state or federal private or government agency. Although the focus is theprotection of pet animals, these devices can be constructed for humanuse. As described above, the animal care device 800 provides variouscapabilities useful for providing care to an animal. For example, theanimal care device 800 may house a dog, provide shelter, food, water,and medicine. In particular, the animal care device 800 is designed toprovide protective shelter in adverse conditions, and shield the animalfrom harmful environmental conditions, such as floods, hurricanes,tornadoes, toxic or bio-hazardous agents, and even nuclear radiation.

As described above, animal care device 800 is equipped with a barkrecognition sensor logic capable of "learning" unique barks or sounds ofdistress associated with individual animals and differentiating betweenthe barks or distress sounds to determine which individual animal ismaking the sound, if multiple animals are present and notifying theowner of one-time or continuous dog barking and identifying the dog thatis barking. The animal care device 800 is capable of interfacing withand activating personnel or home security system 606 (alarm, directingsecurity cameras toward the sound of the barking, etc.) if the barkingexceeds certain parameters (example, constant barking for more than 30minutes, etc.) and also notifies the owner via a user computing device602, e.g., cell phone, tablet, or computer, or notify a third person oragency 604. The owner may also issue control and instructions to theanimal care device 800 to perform certain functions. The animal caredevice 800 may take action based on the bark i.e., arming the securitysystem 606, and/or opening a door to allow egress or access to theoutside or inside of a building or room. Having the animal care device800 begin recording when a bark is detected, or alert the owner of apossible threat and allow the owner to view the location via the audiovideo features of the animal care device 800.

Additionally, the microprocessor onboard the animal care device, smartcollar, and/or drone is also capable of analyzing the captured sound andrecognizing unique voices of specific persons, such as voices of familymembers and a known dog walker. For example, it is capable of voicerecognition and realizing a command is issued by a stranger andtherefore should not be obeyed and instead should be reported. Anotherexample is the recognition of a type of noise and take action inresponse to the recognition of noise type. For example, the soundanalysis may indicate that the noise is that of a crying baby, and themicroprocessor takes action to report it and/or stream live video of thebaby. Yet another capability is object recognition from analyzing thecaptured images, to determine whether the depicted item is a particularanimal, person, or plant (item of vegetation). The images may also beanalyzed to identify the location of the aerial drone in addition to oras an alternative to any location determination function such as GPS.

FIGS. 16-18 are simplified diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of one ormore animal care devices 800 in operation with a plurality of smartcollars 608/harnesses 610 according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure. The system may be configured easily and flexibly toaccommodate any number of animal care devices and collars/harnesses. Thecollar/harness communicates wirelessly with user computing devices, theGPS satellite constellation, cellular telephone network, home securitymonitoring service, and/or local agencies. Further as described above,the animal care device 800 and/or the smart collar 608 has acamera/video capture component which captures and records the activitiesof the animal, the environment, and persons/intruders. The smart collar608 facial/object recognition component may be interfaced, eitherdirectly or via the animal care device 800, or to a system that notifiesa remote entity. The smart collar with the onboard camera/video capturedevice may transmit images to the associated animal care device 800 or aseparate database for comparison with known persons who may be missing,wanted by authorities, or in need of assistance. When there are multipleanimals wearing smart collars/harnesses present, the collars/harnessesmay also communicate among them and relay information where necessary.

The smart collar 608 may be equipped with a hazardous substance or gasdetection component that identifies potential air quality threats to theanimal 600, other animals or persons in the area so that appropriateaction may take place, such as opening the door so that the animal mayenter the shelter.

FIGS. 19-21 are a simplified diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of amobile animal care device 816 in operation with one or more usercomputing devices 602 and/or one or more smart collars/harnessesaccording to the teachings of the present disclosure. The animal caredevice 800 includes a mobility portion including wheels 817 that enableit to move about its environment according to instructions issuedremotely or by its onboard microprocessor. The wheels 817 preferably canbe folded when not in use, and extended when the animal care device ismoving about. A motor 820 represents the mechanism that drivesretraction of the wheels 817.

The animal care device 800 includes an entrance door 801 that can beshut and sealed once the animal has entered the enclosure pod. Theentrance door 801 can be remotely controlled and operated (opened andshut) via wireless communication and mobile devices such as smartphones,laptop computers, and other devices. Once the door is shut, the animalcare device 800 provides 360 degrees of sealed protection to an enclosedanimal thereby creating a "safety-pod" type enclosure pod to protectfrom a variety of environmental elements.

FIGS. 22-24 are cross-sectional side views of an exemplary embodiment ofan animal care device 816 with an anchoring and elevation mechanismaccording to the teachings of the present disclosure. The animal caredevice 800 is configured to move to its designated anchor spot, and bemounted securely to a firm and solid surface such as a concrete padand/or dock 818. The animal care device 800 includes a hardened outershell that could withstand high winds, flying objects and pressure fromitems that might fall upon it or strike it. It would be insulated towithstand high and low temperature variations. Further, the hardenedouter shell may include materials that would block the penetration ofnuclear radiation. The animal care device 800 is preferably constructedof a fire-proof or fire-resistant material. The hardened shell definesan inner chamber that can comfortably house and accommodate one or moreanimals (e.g., dog, cat, bird, etc.).

The animal care device 800 can be raised and lowered into a hardened andsecure structure 823 formed in the ground or a separate hardenedstructure above the ground such as a garage. The raised position permitsaccess to the door of the animal care device, and the lowered positionpermits further protection by the surrounding structure 823 and theground. The lowered position is more optimal for protection against atornado, for example. The elevation mechanism 821 include a motor 826 oranother mechanism powered by one or more batteries 825. The power systemmay also include connection to the electric grid and to a wind and/orsolar generator. The elevation mechanism may include pneumatic,hydraulic, and other conventional components 822. The motor 826 ispreferably in communication with the computer controller to enableremote control of its operations, preferably via user computing devicessuch as a smartphone. The elevation mechanism 821 may also be activatedon-site by one or more user interfaces coupled to the computercontroller.

Referring also to FIG. 25 , when the animal care device 800 is loweredinto the ground, a purified air supply system 806 supplies fresh andfiltered air to a heating/cooling system 804 and 805. The air may besupplied from outside of the device or the device may be equipped with acertain quantity of air supply (e.g., air tanks). The computercontroller 507 and a thermostat are programmed to automatically sensethe interior temperature and air quality so that the interiorenvironment of the animal care device 800 is regulated to ensure comfortof the occupant. The animal care device 800 may also include a varietyof sensors that may sense the outside environmental conditions forcommunications to a remote user. For example, the sensors may detectthat the pod is underwater, experiencing high temperatures (possiblyindicating fire hazard), or that certain harmful agents, such as carbondioxide, carbon monoxide, and other poisonous substances, are present.The computer controller 507 is programmed with decisions and logic toconsider these factors to maintain the safety of the occupant. Thecomputer controller 507 is coupled to a user interface that enablesinput of commands and instructions and display of status and other data.For example, the pod may be raised in case of flood, ventilation oroxygen stores may be activated or increased in the presence of certainhazardous gases, fire retardant chemicals may be released in case offire, etc. Further, automatic notification of the owner, privatesecurity firms, or government emergency response agencies may betransmitted when appropriate.

The animal care device 800 further includes a self-contained automatedfeeding and watering food/water/medicine dispenser 803 and tray 802. Thedispenser 803 includes a sensor that detects whether the food trayand/or the water tray need to be replenished, and a computer controller807 that is configured to dispense pre-portioned amount of food andwater as necessary. The food and water dispenser may alternativelyoperate based on a pre-programmed schedule, and further subject toremote-control by the user. The automated system is powered by a powersupply such as one or more batteries 825, that can be powered by theelectric grid, and solar and/or wind generators.

The animal care device 800 also includes a GPS beacon 811 or anothertype of electronic location positioning technology capable of emittingand receiving signals so that the presence and location of the enclosurepod can be quickly determined to effect a rescue. The animal care device800 may also include at least one light source 815 as well as a displaymonitor and camera device 813 (including speakers and a microphone) toallow for two-way image and audio communication between the animal and aremotely-located user via the Internet or other communication networks.The lighting system 815 can be regulated (brightened and dimmed) by thecomputer controller 807 to simulate day and night cycles. This lightingsystem is designed to regulate the animal's internal biological clock toallow the animals eating, sleeping and other habits to not be adverselyaffected. The animal care device 800 may also include a smart collar oranother device to measure vital signs (pulse, temperature, etc.) of theanimal and communicate this information to the remote user. Thecommunication system may include an antenna 809 and a modem ortransceivers 810 to enable the sending and receiving of data.

The animal care device 800 would also be capable of emitting a brightlight such as a strobe light 808, audible noise (siren), or specializedscent to allow the animal care device 800 to be located by third partiesor other animals. The animal care device 800 preferably include a wastecontainment system 814 designed to allow waste materials and debris suchas feces and urine to pass through a structure such as a grate disposedat the bottom of the enclosure pod to a holding chamber that collect andstore the waste. The waste containment system 814 may further includemechanism to discharge the waste from the pod when conditions permit.

The animal care device 800 preferably includes a play element or toy toallow the dog or another animal to remain occupied and alert. The animalcare device 800 may also have the capability of playing pre-programmedmessages and/or images stored in a memory accessible by the computercontroller 807 on a predetermined time schedule or remotely activatedbasis.

FIG. 26 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the locking pins 819according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The locking pins819 is one type of anchoring mechanism that may be used to securelyfasten the animal care device to the concrete structure so that itremains in place despite strong winds and flood waters.

FIGS. 27-32 are diagrams of exemplary embodiment of a mobile animal caredevice 900 operating cooperatively with one or more unmanned aerialdrones 840 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Anaerial drone 840 is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can be controlledremotely by a human operator or can navigate autonomously real-timeusing onboard or remote GPS, onboard flight controller, and artificialintelligence (onboard or remote). The aerial drone 840 includes one ormore onboard cameras that are capable of capturing images and sounds inreal-time from one or more perspectives. The aerial drone 840 furtherhas a wireless communication module that enable it to wirelessly andbi-directionally communicate with the mobile animal care device 900,user computing devices 602, smart collars 608 worn by the animals,navigational satellites (GPS), and other aerial drones. Data, includingposition, orientation, commands, video, and audio are transmitted andreceived by the aerial drone 900 using wireless communication. Theaerial drone and/or the animal care device are also capable ofcommunicating with remote databases, servers and/or networks to receiveinstructions/commands, threat and weather notifications, softwareupdates, and other information, as well as access and store data.Preferably the data transmitted over the wireless communication channelare encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. The aerial drone 840 mayalso incorporate a plurality of position and movement sensors thatprovide additional information about its absolute or relative positionand orientation. The aerial drone may also be capable of broadcastinglive or recorded audio information, such as the owner's verbal commands,praises, and reassurances to the animal(s). Further, the aerial dronemay include a projector that enable it to project a live or recordedvideo feed, images, and/or holograms for viewing by the animal(s). Theaerial drone 840 may have various form factors such as mono-copter,bi-copter, quadcopter, octocopter, etc. and tailed or tailless designs.

In operation, the mobility portion of the animal care device cannavigate and move according to instructions issued by its onboardmicroprocessor. The microprocessor in turn is configured to generatenavigational and operational instructions in response to a variety ofsensory inputs as described above, including geo-location informationfrom the smart collar(s), drone sensory inputs, and images captured bythe onboard camera(s) of the aerial drone 840. The aerial drone 840 isalso configured to operate (e.g., take-off, land, flight according to apredetermined pattern, and flight according to GPS navigation), inresponse to instructions issued by the microprocessor of the animal caredevice and transmitted over the wireless communication channel. Themicroprocessor is operable to instruct the aerial drone to navigate in apredetermined pattern and perform, for example, urging the animal tomove in a certain direction, fetch and provide food, fetch and providewater, fetch and provide medicine, and fetch and provide a play element.

The aerial drone is further configured to generate video or still imagedata of a survey area, which are transmitted to the microprocessor ofthe animal care device for analysis. The microprocessor is configured togenerate a map of the survey area and instructions for the aerial droneto navigate within the survey area according to the map. Themicroprocessor is also configured to perform functions such as facialrecognition, object recognition, location recognition, threat detection,animal welfare analysis, defecation detection, defecation removal, andterrain analysis by using image data received from the aerial drone(s).Further contemplated is the use of the aerial drone for detection andprotection from harmful environmental substances such as nuclearradiation, and bio, viral, fungal, or chemical agents, to preventexposure to these toxic agents. The aerial drone may automaticallycontact relevant agencies in response to detecting a harmful situation,such as contacting public safety and firefighting agencies. The aerialdrone is equipped with a computer that may automatically initiatepre-programmed functions in response to a potentially hazardousenvironmental event warning issued by a local, state or federal privateor government agency. The aerial drone is equipped with the necessarysensors and detectors, combined with video cameras to enable thedetection of hazards and transmit the information to the animal caredevice as well as relevant agencies.

FIG. 33 is a more detailed diagram of an exemplary embodiment of anaerial supply drone 840 according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure. Drone 840 includes a wireless communication interface andcircuitry onboard that enable it to send and receive data andinstructions from one or more mobile animal care devices100/800/816/900, one or more user computing devices 602, one or moresmart collar 608/smart harness 610 worn by the animals 600, navigationalsatellites (GPS), and/or other aerial drones 840, via one or morewireless communication protocols and/or the Internet 1000.

The drone 840 may further interact with the animal care device in thefollowing manner:

The animal care device stores and dispenses food, water, medicine forthe animal and be re-supplied by the drone.

The animal care device recognizes a threat (extreme heat, extreme cold,infrared, smoke, gases, chemical hazards, and unauthorized persons oranimals) and alerts the drone to take action

The animal care device detects hazards and alert the drone to takeaction.

The animal care device takes action based on images, videos, heatsignatures, threats, etc. supplied by the supply drone.

The animal care device takes action in caring for multiple animals inresponse to input from the supply drone.

The supply drone 840 may interact with the smart collar 608 (and/orsmart halter 610) in the following manner:

The collar detects the threats in proximity to the animal and sends theinformation to the drone to take action.

The collar detects that the animal's food or water is in need ofreplenishing and alerts the drone to take action.

The drone detects that the animal is in harm's way or needs to take aspecific action and using audible or tactile signals from a speaker inthe smart collar directs the animal behavior to avoid the threat/harm ordirect the animal's behavior.

The drone uses multiple smart collars to determine the proximity ofanimals to each other and takes action to keep certain animals away fromor close to other animals (for aggression management, mating purposes,etc.)

The drone follows an animal based on the location of the smart collarand issues alerts to a user based on the animal's behavior (travelingoutside a pre-determined zone, jumping up on the couch, drowning in apond, etc.)

The smart collar recognizes real-time changes in the animal's vitalsigns, behavior, etc. and directs the drone to supply a specific amountof food, a specific type of food, or a specific medicine atpre-programmed or (real-time) instructed intervals as a result of theanimal's behavior or vital signs.

The smart collar detects that the animal is in water and alert the smartdrone to take action.

Also shown in FIG. 34 , the animal care device is configured to alsocommunicate and operate cooperatively with a smart bed 1100. The drone840 incorporates one or more cameras 1402 that may be appropriatelysituated or located on the drone to enable the capture of still and/orvideo images. The drone 840 further incorporates one or more sensors1403 that are configured to detect or perceive extreme heat, extremecold, infrared, smoke, gases, chemical hazards, and unauthorized personsor animals. The drone 840 also includes a proximity sensor 1404, e.g.,an RFID reader, that can detect and communicate with proximity tags,e.g., RFID tags. An onboard "radar" 1405 may also be used to detectother animals in the proximity of the animal associated with the animalcare device 100 and alerts a person of the nearby animal or potentialthreat. The system may have an "intelligent" or artificial intelligencecomponent that interprets the movements, size, mannerisms, geo-location(does the possible list of animals detected have a population in thearea?), etc. The drone 840 further incorporates an intake port 1406 fortaking in food (including treats), medicine, water, toy, and othermaterials/substances, which are carried or stored onboard until the sameis programmed/instructed to be dispensed via the dispenser port 1407.The intake and dispenser ports 1406 and 1407 may also be used todispense or distribute water, fertilizer, seeds, or other substances(liquid, solid, gas) to, for example, cultivate vegetation in theanimal's environment, and/or distribute any other needed substance inthe animal's environment. This feature may be used to distribute variousmaterials for the benefit of housed animals or their environment in azoo enclosure, animal park, or wildlife conservatory, for example.Additional interactions between the supply drone 840 and the smart bedmay include:

The smart bed 1100 includes a microprocessor and wireless communicationsubsystem, in addition to various sensors to compare the weight,sleeping habits, body temperature, and behavior of the animal. The smartbed may direct the drone or smart bowl to supply a specific amount offood or type of food or medicine at specific intervals tailored to theanimal's behavior. The smart bed may incorporate cooling and heatingelements adjustable by sensing the ambient temperature, bed temperature,and/or animal's temperature. A predetermined desirable temperaturesetting may be used to issue cooling and heating commands to the smartbed. Further, the smart bed may receive commands from a user via acomputing device or a dedicated website to adjust the cooling andheating elements.

The smart bed 1100 senses lethargy on the part of the animal and acts incoordination with the drone to awaken the animal and make it move sothat further assessment of the animal's welfare can be made.

The smart bed 1100 also incorporates s a food, water, medicine dispenserwhich is replenished by the supply drone 840.

The supply drone 840 stores disinfectants or chemicals used in treatingfleas or other parasites that can be applied to the smart bed whenappropriate, on a pre-determined schedule, or in response to directionsfrom a user wirelessly connected to at least one of the smart bed andthe animal care supply drone, using the user computing device.

The drone 840 may also incorporate an onboard threat or hazard detectionsystem that uses image analysis, heat signature, infrared analysis, and"facial/object/location recognition" that is able to detect threats suchas fire, chemical hazards, inclement weather, other animals, orunauthorized personnel in the proximity of the animal associated withthe animal care device. Upon detection, the drone may issue and transmitan alert to the animal care device, user computing device, and/orcentral monitoring station about the nearby animal or potential threat.In response to a threat like a fire, the drone may be equipped to storeand discharge a chemical fire extinguishing agent to put out the fire.The drone may respond by taking appropriate action, which may includesounding a loud alarm, issuing a command, projecting a hologram,activating a flare, etc. In some instances, it may be appropriate forthe drone to take more drastic measures by using a taser, discharge achemical spray, fire a rubber bullet, etc. to deter the approachingthreat.

The drone 840 may, in response to detecting extreme cold ambienttemperatures, deploy a chemical heat source or warm air to keep theanimal warm. The drone intelligence onboard may be able to determinethat the animal is in an area of the enclosure that is out-of-bounds ormay present danger. For example, the drone may detect that the animal'scurrent location is in a region of water and that the animal is not askilled swimmer. The drone may thus issue an alert, and perhaps deploy afloatation device near the animal to effect rescue.

FIG. 35 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of at least one animalcare device 100/800/816/900 operating cooperatively with a plurality ofdevices including a smart bowl 1700 and storage compartment 1702according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The smart bowl(s)1700 and storage compartment(s) 1702 include a wireless communicationinterface and circuitry onboard that enable it to send and receive dataand instructions from one or more mobile animal care devices100/800/816/900, one or more user computing devices 602, home securityand automation system 606, smart collar(s) 608/smart harness(es) 610,smart bed 1100, navigational satellites (GPS), one or more aerial drones840, and the Internet 1000 (including wireless communication networks).The smart bowl(s) 1700 and storage compartment(s) 1702 may store anddispense food, medicine, water, and other substances at programmed timeor pursuant to instructions issued by the animal care device, userdevices 602, etc. Because the smart bowl 1700 and storage compartment1702 are configured to communicate with and/or detect the user computingdevices 602, one or more smart collars 608, navigational satellites(GPS), aerial drones 840, and each other, either or both the bowl andstorage compartment may receive instructions from any of these devicesto take action, including dispense food, medicine, water, and/or othersubstances. The smart bowl 1700 may have a self-contained storagechamber and/or may be supplied by a central food, water, or medicationsource by a conducting tube. Alternatively, the smart bowl can be mobileand may travel, upon command or according to a schedule, to a centralsupply station to replenish its supply of food, water, and medication.In addition to wireless communication, the smart bowl 1700 mayincorporate an RFID tag that can be detected by the mobile animal caredevice and drone to detect its location. A mobile app or website mayenable a user to monitor the content of the smart bowl and to provideinstructions to dispense food, medicine, water, and other substances.The smart bowl may incorporate blending mechanism so that it may mix anddispense substances on command or pursuant to a programmed schedule. Thesmart bowl can detect when the animal is eating, drinking, takingmedication, etc. and uses this activity data to recognize when theanimal isn't behaving normally or typically, i.e., deviatingsubstantially from the pre-recorded activity schedule. Action may thenbe taken by the drone, mobile animal care device, or the user to performwelfare check on the animal. The smart bowl may also include coolingand/or heating components to cool or heat the substance in the bowl orstorage compartment. Further, the smart bowl may further incorporate asensor or camera that is configured to determine how much food, water,medicine is in the bowl or storage compartment, and send a refill alertto the user computing device, drone, animal care device, and/or centralstorage. The camera of the smart bowl may also send captured images(with or without audio) to the user device that verifies feeding by"authorized" or "unauthorized" animal(s). The smart bowl may incorporatea lighting element that activates due to proximity of the smart collaror upon motion detection nearby. This way, the bowl is lit when theanimal is feeding or is more visible in the dark to approaching human toilluminate a tripping hazard. A speaker incorporated in the smart bowlmay be used to issue a deterrent, such as loud noise, chemical spray,water spray, etc. to discourage the unauthorized animal from feedingfrom the smart bowl. The smart bowl may also have the capability tosense that the animal has fished eating its meal and issues a command tounlock a dog door to enable the animal to go outside or go to anotherarea to relieve itself.

Additionally, the smart bowl may interact with the animal care device inthe following manner:

The smart bowl issues a refill request and the animal care deviceresponds by filling the bowl or storage compartment with food, water,and/or medication.

On a pre-programmed schedule or on-demand, the animal care device cleansthe smart bowl with water and/or cleaning agents.

Identify a particular animal due to its smart tag, image analysis, orother means and offer food/medicine prescribed for that identifiedanimal by opening particular compartments of the bowl.

Incorporate a motion sensor, and deny food, water, and medicine inresponse to detecting an unauthorized animal's presence at the smartbowl. The bowl may include one or more lids that can be securely lockedagainst tampering by such unauthorized animals.

The smart bowl may include mechanism to cover and uncover food, water,and medicine it holds so that only authorized animal(s) can have access.

The smart bowl may interact with the smart collar (harness) in thefollowing manner:

The smart collar has an RF chip that identifies the animal wearing thecollar to the bowl via wireless connection when the animal approaches.The smart bowl dispenses water, food, medicine based on the specific IDof the animal using the bowl. Therefore, multiple animals may share theuse of the same bowl and receive individual customized treatment.

The smart bowl calculates, maintains, and transmits records related tothe time an animal eats food medicine or drinks water, the amount eatenor drank (at a particular time and/or according to historical data) andthe times when a specific animal is at the bowl.

Identify a particular animal due to its smart collar and offerfood/medicine prescribed for that identified animal by openingparticular compartments of the bowl.

The smart bowl may have more than one compartment containing differentfood, water, medicine in each compartment and it recognizes the animalbased on the smart collar and opens one or more compartment based onthat recognition. The three compartments can have different items forone animal (food, water medicine) or all of the same in all thecompartments and each compartment will open individually on comparingthe animal identification from the smart collar and based on time ofday, day of week, or input from a remote user. Alternatively, in thecase of multiple animals using the same bowl, it opens differentcontainers at different times for different animals as recognized by thesmart collar.

The bowl recognizes changes in the animal's behavior or a medicalproblem based on the information relayed from the smart collar anddispense an appropriate diet or medicine to address the behavior ormedical problem.

The supply drone 840 may further interact with the smart bowl 1700 inthe following manner:

The drone receives information from the smart bowl that the animal hasnot eaten or drank for a period of time and the drone attempts to locatethe animal and check on its wellbeing.

The drone refills the smart bowl with food, water or medicine afterreceiving information that the bowl is needing refilling, on apre-scheduled time or in response to a user via a wireless connection.

The drone protects the smart bowl from unwanted animals upon alert bythe smart bowl.

FIG. 36 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of at least one animalcare device 100/800/816/900 operating cooperatively with a plurality ofdevices including an RF stick 1200 according to the teachings of thepresent disclosure. The RF stick 1200 incorporates a RFID tag and it maybe sensed by RFID sensors incorporated into one or more user computingdevices 602, home security and automation system 606, smart collar608/smart harness 610, smart bed 1100, navigational satellites (GPS),one or more aerial drones 840, and the Internet 1000 (including wirelesscommunication networks).

It is contemplated that an aerial drone outfitted with the rightequipment and devices may accomplish the same or similar functions asthe animal care device. FIGS. 37 and 38 are diagrams of exemplaryembodiments of a drone 840 operating cooperatively with a RF stick 1200according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The RF stick 1200may be used to indicate the location for a drone 840 todispense/distribute fertilizer, seeds, water or other substances (e.g.,any type of gas, liquid, solid) to, for example, cultivatevegetation/plant in a container 1202 or in the animal's environment1302. This feature also may be used to distribute any other neededsubstance such as food, medication, and water in the animal'senvironment, such as in a home, yard, a zoo enclosure, an animal park,or a wildlife conservatory. Alternatively, the aerial drone may utilizeother means to determine its own location and a "drop" location, such asGPS, proximity sensors and tags, machine-readable code (e.g., bar codeand QR code), object or location-recognition by analyzing capturedimages, etc.

FIG. 39 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a drone 840 operatingcooperatively with a RF stick 1200 and a central supply station 1504according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The drone 840 maybe guided by the RF stick 1200. The drone may include a carrier tray orcontainer to carry a gas, liquid, or solid substance that can beautomatically refilled or on command from the central supply station.

FIG. 40 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an animal care device900 operating cooperatively with a drone 840 according to the teachingsof the present disclosure. The animal care device 900 incorporates afire extinguisher 1604 that is connected to a storage tank storing wateror a fire extinguishing agent. Similarly, the drone 840 incorporates astorage tank storing water or a fire extinguishing agent that may bedispensed by the dispenser port 1407. In operation, the animal caredevice 900 may be alerted by a dog barking at a fire. The smart halter610 transmits the alert to the animal care device 900, which becomesmobilized and moves to the trouble spot guided by images captured bycameras, and/or GPS/RFID located on the smart halter 610. Similarly, thesmart halter 610 may also transmit the alert to the drone 840, which mayalso become mobilized and move to the location of the fire guided byimages captured by cameras, and/or GPS/RFID located on the smart halter610.

Referring to FIGS. 41-44 , a behavioral modification function of thesmart collar or harness 610 includes the monitoring and detection ofcertain undesirable, destructive, or desirable behaviors that may leadto corrective/approval actions to aid in behavior modification of theanimal. For example, behavior modification may be initiated by at leastone of image analysis (which may include night vision and thermalimages), object recognition, location (or distance to a known landmark),and elapsed time at that location. For example, a real-timedetermination of the animal's (or another biological item such as aplant) indoor/outdoor location (RFID, GPS, proximity sensors,machine-reading of specific patterns, e.g., bar code, QR code, etc., andother positioning technologies) and/or time at that location, alone orin combination with image analysis and object recognition, enables thedetermination that the animal is somewhere, or doing somethingundesirable or impermissible, e.g., chewing on a piece of furniture,napping on the bed in the master bedroom, digging in a flower bed,attacking chickens in a chicken coop, entering the baby's room,approaching another animal, and stealing the neighbor's shoe. The imageanalysis may access an image database that the owner has populated withimages of objects, persons, animals, and/or locations to be detected,and the image analysis may include automatically comparing the real-timeimages with the stored images in the database. In addition oralternatively, the comparison may utilize images accessible via theinternet. The combination of location, time, and image analysis (usingat least one of these data points) enables the smart collar (or theanimal care device) to automatically recognize these undesirable (ordesirable) behaviors and automatically issue an audible sound orcommand, a vibration, an electric shock, a notification to the owner, oranother form of corrective (or approval/praise) action. The use of RFID,proximity sensor, pattern recognition, or another form of presencedetection device affixed to items that the animal should not go nearfurther enables more precise recognition of undesirable behavior. Thesmart collar may cooperate with the animal care device, another smartcollar, smart home device, and/or drone to accomplish these functions.The smart collar may incorporate onboard illumination, such as alighting element 1802 or 1804 that provides illumination when needed orat user's command. Electronic components onboard the smart collar 608and harness 610, including the microprocessor, wireless communicationsinterface, proximity sensor, distance determination device, imagecapturing devices, environmental sensors, etc. may be housed in aweather-tight container 1806 to protect the circuitry.

It should be noted that although several versions of mobile animal caredevices are described herein, all functionality associated with anyparticular version of the mobile animal care device described above isequally applicable to all other versions thereof regardless of thereference numerals indicated in the figures.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the presentinvention may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the formof an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment(including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or anembodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system."Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of acomputer program product embodied in one or more computer readablemedium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object-oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

Aspects of the present invention may be described with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational actions to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise"and/or "comprising" when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for remote care of an item ofvegetation, comprising: at least one of a proximity tag, RFID tag,transponder device, a predetermined machine-readable pattern, andgeo-location device associated with the item of vegetation; and anaerial drone comprising: a microprocessor; a sensor coupled to themicroprocessor and configured to detect the at least one of theproximity tag, RFID tag, transponder device, predeterminedmachine-readable pattern, and the geo-location device; a carrierconfigured to carry a substance comprising at least one of a solid, gas,and liquid; and wherein the aerial drone being configured to act inresponse to instructions issued by the microprocessor.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the aerial drone further comprises a wirelesscommunication interface coupled to the microprocessor, the wirelesscommunication interface being wirelessly communicatively coupled to anexternal communications system.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein themicroprocessor is operable to determine an approximate real-timelocation of the item of vegetation in response to sensing the at leastone of the proximity tag, RFID tag, transponder device, predeterminedmachine-readable pattern, and geo-location device, and themicroprocessor being operable to instruct the aerial drone to navigateto the real-time location to deliver the carried substance.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the microprocessor is operable to instructthe aerial drone to navigate to at least one predetermined location todeliver at least one carried substance to the at least one predeterminedlocation.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the microprocessor isconfigured to issue instructions to the aerial drone to supply the atleast one substance to the real-time location of the item of vegetation.6. The system of claim 4, wherein the microprocessor is configured toissue instructions to the aerial drone to supply the at least onesubstance to at least one predetermined location in response to apre-programmed schedule.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising avideo camera onboard the aerial drone and configured to capture at leastone image in response to instructions issued by the microprocessor. 8.The system of claim 7, wherein the microprocessor of the aerial drone isoperable to receive the at least one captured image, analyze the atleast one captured image, and take action in response to the analysis.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the microprocessor takes action basedon the at least one captured image.
 10. The system of claim 7, whereinthe microprocessor of the aerial drone is operable to receive the atleast one captured image, analyze the at least one image, andautomatically perform at least one of: facial recognition, objectrecognition, voice recognition, noise recognition, location recognition,threat detection, hazard detection, emergency notification, animalwelfare analysis, animal defecation detection, animal feces removal, andterrain analysis.
 11. The system of claim 2 wherein the microprocessorof the aerial drone is operable to receive at least one captured image,analyze the at least one captured image, and automatically perform atleast one of: facial recognition, object recognition, voice recognition,noise recognition, location recognition, threat detection, hazarddetection, emergency notification, animal welfare analysis, animaldefecation detection, animal feces removal, and terrain analysis. 12.The system of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor of the aerial drone isoperable to instruct the aerial drone to navigate along a predeterminedroute to deliver the carried substance to at least one site along thepredetermined route.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein themicroprocessor of the aerial drone is operable to instruct the aerialdrone to navigate to a predetermined location and deliver the carriedsubstance.
 14. The system of claim 7, wherein the microprocessor of theaerial drone is operable to receive and analyze the at least onecaptured image and generate a map of a survey area and to instruct theaerial drone to navigate within the survey area according to the map.15. The system of claim 2, wherein the microprocessor of the aerialdrone is operable to receive and analyze at least one image via thewireless communication interface and generate a map of a survey area andto instruct the aerial drone to navigate within the survey areaaccording to the map.
 16. A method for remote care of an item ofvegetation item using an aerial drone, comprising: determining areal-time location of the item of vegetation; receiving real-time imagedata of the item of vegetation from a camera onboard the aerial drone;determining an action to be taken by the aerial drone in response to atleast one of the real-time location, the real-time image data, and apredetermined time schedule; and issuing instructions to the aerialdrone to navigate to the real-time location and perform the determinedaction including dispensing a substance comprising at least one of asolid, gas, and liquid.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprisingdetermining the real-time location of the item of vegetation bydetecting a proximity tag.
 18. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising receiving at least one of real-time image data of an animalcaptured by the aerial drone, and real-time sensory data of the animal'ssurroundings sensed by a sensor onboard the aerial drone.
 19. The methodof claim 18 and further comprising performing, by the aerial drone, atleast one of facial recognition, location recognition, objectrecognition, voice recognition, noise recognition, threat detection,hazard detection, emergency notification, animal welfare analysis,animal defecation detection, animal feces removal, and terrain analysisin response to at least one of the received real-time image data of theanimal captured by the aerial drone and the real-time sensory data. 20.The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the real-time image dataand the sensory data comprise data associated with a survey areacaptured by the camera onboard the aerial drone.
 21. The method of claim16, further comprising receiving, by the aerial drone, navigationinstructions from an external source in wireless communication theretoin response to the received at least one of real-time image data andsensory data.
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving real-timesensor data further comprises receiving a real-time temperaturemeasurement by a temperature sensor associated with the item ofvegetation.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising analyzing thereceived real-time temperature measurement and instructing the aerialdrone to navigate to the real-time location of the item of vegetationand dispensing the substance in response to determining that thereceived real-time temperature measurement is hazardous to the item ofvegetation.
 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising analyzing thereceived real-time temperature measurement and instructing a HVACelement associated with the item of vegetation to provide at least oneof warm and cool air to an area in proximity to the item of vegetation.25. The method of claim 16, further comprising analyzing the real-timeimage data and recognizing a hazard in proximity to the item ofvegetation, and instructing the aerial drone to navigate to thereal-time location of the item of vegetation to deposit the substance onthe recognized hazard.
 26. The method of claim 16, further comprisinganalyzing the real-time image data and recognizing a threat in proximityto the item of vegetation, the threat selected from the group consistingof an undesirable animal, an undesirable insect, an undesirable person,undesirable weather, and instructing the aerial drone to navigate to thereal-time location of the item of vegetation to take action to mitigatethe threat.
 27. A system for caring for an item of vegetation,comprising: an aerial drone comprising: a payload container for carryinga substance; a microprocessor; a wireless communication interfacecoupled to the microprocessor configured to enable communication of databetween the microprocessor and an external data source; a sensor incommunication with the microprocessor and configured to measure aparticular data point in proximity to the item of vegetation ;andwherein the microprocessor is configured to issue navigation commands tothe aerial drone and deposit the substance in proximity to the item ofvegetation in response to at least one of a programmed instruction, areal-time user command, the measured data point, and information fromthe external data source.
 28. A system for caring an item of vegetation,comprising: a device associated with the item of vegetation beinglocated proximate thereto; an aerial drone comprising: a payload trayfor carrying a substance; a microprocessor; an interface coupled to themicroprocessor configured to enable the microprocessor to receiveinformation from the device; and wherein the microprocessor isconfigured to issue commands to the aerial drone to deposit thesubstance in proximity to the item of vegetation in response to theinformation received from the device located proximate to the item ofvegetation.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the microprocessor isconfigured to instruct the aerial drone to automatically refill thesubstance in the payload tray.
 30. The system of claim 28, wherein themicroprocessor is configured to instruct the aerial drone toautomatically refill the substance in the payload tray from a separatestorage supply.
 31. The system of claim 2 further comprising an animalcare device communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, wherein themicroprocessor is configured to coordinate the actions of the aerialdrone and the animal care device.